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Eton Mess

4.3

(5)

This dessert is simple and delicious, especially when made with very ripe strawberries and thick Devonshire cream.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 3 hr

Cooks' note:

• Meringues can be made 1 week ahead, wrapped well individually, and kept at cool room temperature

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 lb strawberries
2 tablespoons sweet Sherry
1/2 cup well-chilled heavy cream

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 225<°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat whites with a pinch of salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until they just hold soft peaks. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating, then beat until meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks. Spoon meringue into 4 mounds on parchment paper and spread each into a 3 1/2-inch round, smoothing tops.

    Step 2

    Bake in middle of oven until crisp and firm, about 1 1/2 hours. (If weather is humid, cooking time may be longer.) Cool meringues completely on baking sheet in turned-off oven or on a rack and carefully peel off parchment.

    Step 3

    Halve some small strawberries for garnish. Slice remaining strawberries and stir together with Sherry and remaining tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Macerate 20 minutes. Drain strawberries in a sieve set over a bowl, reserving syrup. Beat cream in a chilled bowl until it just holds stiff peaks and beat in reserved syrup. Spoon cream mixture over meringues and top with strawberry slices. Garnish plates with halved berries.

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